Leicester City 0-1 Newcastle United: match report, player ratings

Leicester City player ratings

Kasper Schmeichel 7.5

Ben Chilwell 8

Harry Maguire 7

Wes Morgan 7.5

Ricardo Pereira 7

Wilfred Ndidi 6

Youri Tielemans 7.5

James Maddison 7

Harvey Barnes 7.5

Demarai Gray 6

Jamie Vardy 6.5

Evaluation

It’s not that Leicester City were particularly bad on the night, but Newcastle kept to their game plan in a military-minded fashion. While the away team fought more, the Foxes, especially under Rodgers, had enough final third play along with efforts on goal to usually net a couple. Structure technical detailing will be implemented.

Whilst eradicating the pathetically slow starts, hapless early conceding and concentration lapses came with apparent ease upon the Northern Irishman’s arrival. Though, unfortunately, if playing versus a well-drilled lower placed team that employs a deep defensive block and have copious central midfielders there’s distinctive issues reminiscent of Claude Puel’s side. Which contained exactly the same personnel – that runs out of ideas, not to mention the will and determination necessary to break down those sides.

If Rodgers’ style is to replicate the influences of the influential, illustrious Barcelona and Manchester City – Pep Guardiola basically – it’s imperative the former Celtic manager’s team manipulate opponents collectively when frustrated.

Additionally, as pointed out by Foxes of Leicester contributor Matt Taylor, cutting down on errors and turnovers from midfield iss imperative –  Ndidi a main culprit – as well as showing impetus on the advance.

Areas to address are, naturally, play in the final third for one: if Maddison and Tielemans cannot create with limited space and time, Chilwell and Ricardo become prevalent during forward moves, with any available midfield player or defender covering.

Barnes and Gray have to go to the sideline and draw markers out to open space, getting their deliveries constantly competent. If high balls go into the box, support has to be backing Vardy on the edge and challenging aerially – something in deficiency too.

With over 70 per cent overall controlling the ball, Leicester City can’t afford to offer the team an almost equal amount of shots; statistics come via lcfc.com. In conclusion the Foxes weren’t outplayed but maybe outsmarted by the veteran Spanish gaffer – nothing to be ashamed of in Rodgers‘ quest for constant top-six finishing and evolution.

Newcastle took initiative and played the obvious system, whilst committing fully and arguably fighting for the points in a more aggressively structured capacity.

More from Foxes of Leicester

• Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
• Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester City: 3 Foxes positives and negatives
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester: 3 things learned
• Predicted Leicester City starting XI vs Southampton

Next up for the Foxes is West Ham United on Saturday, April 20. Improved focus and a clinical cutting edge will be compulsory for victory.

Click here to read more from Site Expert Thomas Bradley Alderman.